Utkal Alumina CSR: Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco, has executed multiple developmental projects in Raulighati village under Kashipur Block of Rayagada district, making a tangible difference in villagers’ quality of life.
For years, the absence of proper road connectivity had kept the village cut off from the outside world. Residents were compelled to travel on foot through rugged hilly forest paths to meet daily needs, while medical emergencies often became life-threatening due to the inability of ambulances to reach the area. The lack of connectivity also disrupted students’ education, as travelling to school was unsafe and irregular.
To address these long-standing hardships, the UAIL Mines CSR team constructed a 2.5 km road linking the village to the main road, providing direct access to essential services and neighbouring areas. Further, a 1.7 km stretch was laid from Raulighati to Barajakhala Government Primary School, enabling students to travel safely and regularly to classes.
Speaking on these initiatives, Mr Kailash Pandey, the Mining Business Head of Hindalco says, “we have implemented these projects to strengthen economic and social growth of the people through community partnerships. Besides connectivity, the villagers also faced an acute drinking water crisis, relying on unsafe stream water that often-caused waterborne diseases and even fatalities. Through its ‘Swajal’ project, UAIL installed a water treatment plant to purify stream water and deliver clean drinking water via household tap connections, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply.
To further improve living conditions, a new drainage system was constructed to resolve monsoon-related waterlogging and sanitation problems, greatly enhancing hygiene and cleanliness across the village. Soon, a Mobile Health Unit will also be deployed to meet healthcare needs.” adds Mr Pandey.
Expressing gratitude, Raulighati village head, Malia Majhi, said, “UAIL CSR has resolved our long-standing hardships. The new roads, culverts, and drinking water facilities have brought positive change to our lives.”
As a responsible corporate citizen and driven by the constant motivation to give back to society, in Odisha, the Aditya Birla Group reaches out to more than 5 lakhs people touching over 2 lakh lives in 128 villages. The Group’s CSR is conducted under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development chaired by Mrs. Rajashree Birla.
The Group’s vision is to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities in which we operate. In doing so, build a better, sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society. And raise the country’s human development index. The Group’s CSR vision is aligned with UNSDG goals to eliminate poverty and ensure freedom from hunger.
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